BDNF AND ALOX12 DURING ANTIDEPRESSANT TREATMENT IN MAJOR DEPRESSION: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Authors

  • V. T. IACOB Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania
  • Ioana-Sorana CARTAS Clinical Hospital of Pneumology Iasi, Romania
  • T. VOLOSENIUC Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania
  • D. C. OPREA Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania
  • T. FLOREA Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania
  • V. OPREA Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy Chisinau, Moldova
  • D. TURLIUC Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22551/MSJ.2026.02.07

Abstract

This study investigated the longitudinal dynamics of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase (ALOX12) during antidepressant treatment in patients with major depression. Materials and methods: Twenty-six patients were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured using HAM-D and HAM-A, and plasma BDNF and ALOX12 levels were quantified using ELISA. Results: HAM-D decreased from 31.0 to 23.0 and HAM-A from 28.0 to 18.0. BDNF increased from 0.87 to 5.33, while ALOX12 decreased from 1.39 to 0.22 (p<0.001), with the largest change between weeks 4 and 8; ALOX12 at 8 weeks correlated inversely with HAM-D (r = −0.416; adjusted r = −0.515). Conclusions: BDNF and ALOX12 showed distinct temporal patterns. BDNF increase and ALOX12 reduction occurred without significant associations between their changes.

Author Biographies

  • V. T. IACOB, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania

    Socola Institute of Psychiatry Iasi, Romania

  • D. C. OPREA, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania

    Socola Institute of Psychiatry Iasi, Romania

  • D. TURLIUC, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania

    Socola Institute of Psychiatry Iasi, Romania

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Additional Files

Published

2026-06-01

Issue

Section

INTERNAL MEDICINE - PEDIATRICS